Media & Coverage

Original writing from Scott L. Pleus, plus defense and general-news coverage of his command assignments, alliance engagements, and Pentagon leadership.

Insights

Original Writing from Scott

Pillar Article · Start Here

The Third Discipline: Why Good Culture and Good Systems Still Aren’t Enough

Most organizations invest in two things to build honest self-assessment: psychological safety and process design. Both are necessary. Neither is sufficient. The foundational essay behind everything else on this site.

Read the Pillar Article →

Blog · Organizational Readiness

Zero Failures Is Bad News — What Boards Miss About Readiness Reviews

Zero failures for years isn’t proof of readiness — it’s proof the test stopped working. Pleus on the boardroom blind spot most executives miss.

Blog · Executive Leadership

The Three-Minute Test That Tells You Whether Your Organization Will Fail Under Pressure

Three minutes on any operating floor reveals whether an organization is ready or only looks ready. Pleus on the signals that can’t be staged.

Blog · Executive Leadership

The Word Most Executives Use Wrong (And Why It Costs Them)

Responsibility means meeting your duties. Accountability means owning the outcome. Pleus on the language gap that quietly wrecks enterprise results.

Blog · Leadership Development

Recognition Doesn’t Need a Speech

The best recognition Pleus ever gave was four words long, with no ceremony after it. Why small, immediate recognition beats the big gesture.

Blog · Leadership Development

The Decisions You Can’t Undo

Not every leadership mistake resolves into a lesson. Pleus on the decisions that don’t undo, and how to operate with them anyway.

Blog · Organizational Readiness

Why I Don’t Trust My Own Success

Three years of zero failures felt like winning. Pleus on why he stopped trusting his own clean record, and what he did about it.

Blog · Organizational Readiness

Readiness Is a Product, Not a Value

Most executives can name a value their culture produces. Few can name what it manufactures. Pleus on treating readiness as a product.

Blog · Executive Leadership

The Standard Doesn’t Scale — It Repeats

A leader’s presence enforces a standard at small scale. It can’t at large scale. Pleus on what has to replace it as you grow.

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Pentagon

Air Staff & Vice Chief Coverage

InsideDefense.com · February 24, 2025

Three-Star General Performing Duties of Air Force Vice Chief

Reporting on Pleus stepping in to perform the duties of Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force following a leadership change at the top of the service, beginning a role he held for roughly a year.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · January 29–30, 2026

Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections

Pleus, in his role performing the duties of Vice Chief of Staff, is quoted at length explaining the rationale behind new no-notice unit readiness inspections across the Air Force.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · February 3–4, 2026

Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness

Coverage of remarks by Pleus at a public forum addressing the structural drivers of aircraft readiness shortfalls across the fleet and the service’s response.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · February 2, 2026

After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief

Coverage of Gen. Lamontagne’s confirmation as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, closing out the roughly year-long period during which Pleus performed the duties of the office.

Korea

Seventh Air Force & U.S. Forces Korea

Air & Space Forces Magazine · June 12, 2020

Pleus Takes Over at 7th Air Force

Coverage of Pleus assuming command of Seventh Air Force, including remarks delivered at the change-of-command ceremony.

DVIDS · September 22, 2020

Introducing “Rolls”: A Quick Glance Inside the Seventh Air Force Commander

A DVIDS profile introducing Pleus — call sign “Rolls” — to the Seventh Air Force community shortly after he assumed command, including his own remarks on leadership and the Korea assignment.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · February 3, 2021

Pleus: U.S. Capitol Attack Reverberated on the Korean Peninsula

Reporting on Pleus’s remarks during the AFA “Air and Space Warfighters in Action” webinar, in which he discussed how the January 6 Capitol attack was perceived by allies and adversaries alike in the Korea theater.

DVIDS · June 29, 2023

Yonhap News Symposium Highlights 70 Years of ROK-U.S. Alliance

Extensive coverage of Pleus’s remarks at a symposium marking seven decades of the ROK-U.S. alliance, addressing the future of combined defense on the Korean Peninsula.

DVIDS · During 7th Air Force command

Patches of PACAF 07/16: Seventh Air Force

An on-camera DVIDS video feature with Pleus discussing the history and heraldry of the Seventh Air Force patch and its significance to the command.

Career Milestones

Nominations, Promotions & Transitions

Air & Space Forces Magazine · April 25, 2023

New PACAF Commander Tapped in Pentagon Nominations

Reporting on a slate of Pentagon general officer nominations that included Pleus, as part of a broader set of Pacific Air Forces leadership moves.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · December 7, 2023

With Hold Lifted, What Happens Next for New Generals?

Coverage of a batch of general officer confirmations released after a Senate hold was lifted, within which Pleus’s nomination and assignment were reported.

Aviation Week · September 8, 2025

U.S. Air Force Vice Nominee Pulled

Reporting on the withdrawal of a Vice Chief nomination, discussed in the context of the leadership vacancy Pleus was filling on an acting basis at the time.

Air & Space Forces Magazine · October 1–2, 2025

Bussiere to Retire After Vice Chief Nomination Withdrawn

Additional coverage of the extended Vice Chief vacancy, during which Pleus continued to perform the duties of the office as Director of Staff.

Community

Hometown & Community Coverage

Superior Telegram · March 7–8, 2022

Lt. General Comes Home to Talk to Superior Students

A hometown feature from Superior, Wisconsin, on Pleus’s visit to speak with local students, with photographs and remarks on his path from the region into a career in the Air Force.

Official

Official Air Force Biographies

af.mil

Official Biography — U.S. Air Force

The service-level official biography of Pleus maintained on the U.S. Air Force’s public website.

About Scott L. Pleus

Scott L. Pleus

Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.

Media Coverage

Title, Outlet, Date, Type, Anchor Text, Description
Title	Outlet	Date	Type	Anchor Text	Description
CMSAF Wolfe on Standards, Teaching, and Rapport with Wilsbach	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2026-02-24	article	CMSAF Wolfe on Standards, Teaching, and Rapport with Wilsbach	Tangential coverage referencing Pleus's tenure and standards-focused leadership approach; no new direct quote from Pleus.
Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2026-02-03	article	Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness	Coverage of remarks by Pleus at a public forum addressing the structural drivers of aircraft readiness shortfalls across the fleet and the service's response.
After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2026-02-02	article	After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief	Coverage of Gen. Lamontagne's confirmation as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, closing out the roughly year-long period during which Pleus performed the duties of the office.
Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2026-01-29	article	Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections	Pleus, in his role as acting Vice Chief of Staff, is quoted at length explaining the rationale behind new no-notice unit readiness inspections across the Air Force.
Lamontagne Nominated for Vice Chief	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2025-12-16	article	Lamontagne Nominated for Vice Chief	Coverage of Gen. Lamontagne's nomination to be Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the post Pleus had been performing the duties of on an acting basis.
Bussiere to Retire After Vice Chief Nomination Withdrawn	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2025-10-01	article	Bussiere to Retire After Vice Chief Nomination Withdrawn	Coverage of the extended Vice Chief vacancy, during which Pleus continued to perform the duties of the office as Director of Staff.
U.S. Air Force Vice Nominee Pulled	Aviation Week	2025-09-08	article	U.S. Air Force Vice Nominee Pulled	Reporting on the withdrawal of a Vice Chief nomination, discussed in the context of the leadership vacancy Pleus was filling on an acting basis.
Three-Star General Performing Duties of Air Force Vice Chief	InsideDefense.com	2025-02-24	article	Three-star general performing duties of Air Force vice chief	Reporting on Pleus stepping in to perform the duties of Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force following a leadership change at the top of the service.
With Hold Lifted, What Happens Next for New Generals?	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2023-12-07	article	With Hold Lifted, What Happens Next for New Generals?	Coverage of a batch of general officer confirmations released after a Senate hold was lifted, within which Pleus's nomination and assignment were reported.
8th Fighter Wing Commander Is Stepping Down	Stars and Stripes	2023-10-31	article	8th Fighter Wing commander is stepping down	Coverage of a change-of-command at the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base — a unit Pleus previously commanded earlier in his career.
New PACAF Commander Tapped in Pentagon Nominations	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2023-04-25	article	New PACAF Commander Tapped in Pentagon Nominations	Reporting on a slate of Pentagon general officer nominations that included Pleus, as part of broader Pacific Air Forces leadership moves.
Seventh Air Force Commander's Battlefield Circulation	Seventh Air Force (official site)	2022-05-19	article	Seventh Air Force Commander's Battlefield Circulation	A photo feature documenting Pleus's visits to units under his command across the Seventh Air Force area of responsibility.
PHOTOS: Lt. General Comes Home to Talk to Superior Students	Superior Telegram	2022-03-07	profile	Lt. General comes home to talk to Superior students	A hometown feature from Superior, Wisconsin, on Pleus's visit to speak with local students, with photographs and remarks on his path from the region into a career in the Air Force.
Pleus: US Capitol Attack Reverberated on the Korean Peninsula	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2021-02-03	article	Pleus: US Capitol Attack Reverberated on the Korean Peninsula	Reporting on Pleus's remarks during the AFA "Air and Space Warfighters in Action" webinar, discussing how the January 6 Capitol attack was perceived by allies and adversaries in the Korea theater.
Introducing Rolls: A Quick Glance Inside the Seventh Air Force Commander	DVIDS	2020-09-22	profile	Introducing Rolls	A DVIDS profile introducing Pleus — call sign "Rolls" — to the Seventh Air Force community shortly after he assumed command, including his own remarks on leadership and the Korea assignment.
Pleus Takes Over at 7th Air Force	Air & Space Forces Magazine	2020-06-12	news article	Pleus Takes Over at 7th Air Force	Coverage of Pleus assuming command of Seventh Air Force, including remarks delivered at the change-of-command ceremony.
Seventh Air Force Hosts First Virtual Change of Command	PACOM News	2020-06	article	Seventh Air Force Hosts First Virtual Change of Command	Official press release on the virtual change-of-command ceremony at which Pleus assumed command of Seventh Air Force.

Academic Publications

Title, Journal, Date, DOI, Abstract
Title	Journal	Date	DOI	Abstract
Corporate Lessons for the DoD - Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows' Perspective	Defense Technical Information Center	2009-05-01	10.21236/ADA540164	Todays Fortune 500 companies must be agile, utilize pace, be financially flexible and continue to re-invent themselves in order to remain viable in our economy. Although the differences between corporate America and the Department of Defense DoD may seem vast in their philosophy and implementation, there are actually more similarities than differences. The driving factors in both worlds are still leadership, strategy, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness, to name a few. This paper focuses on those areas the authors feel are beneficial for implementation into the DoD. The paper begins with an introduction of the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program and brief overview of each Fellows assignment. Next, the authors introduce Booz Allen Hamilton, Sun Microsystems, and Johnson Johnson providing an overview of companies in the program and giving the reader a baseline for reference. Next, the paper will walk through each corporate sponsor and will highlight those areas each Fellow observed that have the best opportunity for successful implementation in the DoD. Although the recommendations from each sponsor company are different, the authors feel this breadth provides a good cross section of ideas from all areas of corporate America. It must be noted that due to the non-disclosure agreements signed by all officers assigned to the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program, the unfettered access to corporate sensitive information, and the legality associated with corporate proprietary information, the authors are unable to provide specific references for some of the data contained in this paper.
Establish the Delta Military Operations Area Environmental Assessment		2009-01-01		The United States Air Force USAF proposes to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta MOAs consisting of four connected MOAs which could be scheduled together or independently. The proposed action would establish connecting airspace to provide a realistic setting for MFEs. MFEs in Alaskan airspace provide aircrews with realistic simulated combat experience. The expanded capability of aircraft establishes the need for contiguous airspace to meet MFE training objectives. The Delta corridor separates the Yukon MOAs from ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211, and the Fox and Eielson MOAs. At present, training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAA or funneling through the low-level Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude associated with the current MOA structure introduce pilot concerns about the boundary of the airspace and artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training at exactly the time pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The current airspace configuration requires pilots to train using non-optimal tactics in restricted training regimens. This continually reinforces negative habit patterns which can affect pilot survivability in combat. Current MFE training requirements cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. The Delta MOAs collectively termed the Delta MOA in this Environmental Assessment EA would permit the northsouth training environment required by today s technology to meet current MFE training. The proposed Delta MOA would have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA and overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs.
Establish the Delta Military Operations Areas Environmental Assessment Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska		2009-01-01		Proposals and Actions This Environmental Assessment EA analyzes the potential environmental consequences of a proposal to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta Military Operations Areas MOAs as part of the YukonFox Complex. The YukonFox Complex consists of the Yukon, Fox, Eielson, Birch, and Buffalo MOAs associated Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAAs ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211 and the Delta ATCAA. The proposed Delta MOA would allow aircrews to train as they fight. Current MFE training cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. At present, MFE training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta ATCAA or funneling through the low altitude Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training precisely when pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The proposed Delta MOA permits use of current technology and tactics and provides all angle surface attacks, threat reaction tactics, air-to-air combat maneuvering, and joint air-ground operations in conjunction with ranges R-2202 and R-2205. The Delta MOA would overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs, have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA, have a floor of 10,000 feet MSL from Eielson Air Force Base AFB to the Birch MOA, and have a floor 3,000 feet above ground level AGL between the Birch and Buffalo MOAs. The Delta MOA would be activated not more than 6 MFEs a year not to exceed 60 days per year with 1.5-2.5 hour periods twice a weekday.

Gallery

Primary Headshots

Scott Pleus is a world-class operating executive who architects readiness by running the daily standard that decides whether an organization performs under pressure.

Scott L. Pleus: Employment History

Title, Organization, Department, Dates, Description
Title	Organization	Department	Dates	Description
Director of Staff	Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.	United States Air Force	2026-02 – Present	Current assignment as of the official biography dated March 2026.
Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force	Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.	United States Air Force	2025-02 – 2026-02
Director of Staff	Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.	United States Air Force	2024-01 – 2025-02
Deputy Commander, United States Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; Commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and Commander, Seventh Air Force	Seventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, South Korea	United States Air Force	2020-06 – 2024-01
Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations	Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii	United States Air Force	2019-06 – 2020-06
Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements	Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.	United States Air Force	2017-06 – 2019-05
Director	F-35 Integration Office, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.	United States Air Force	2016-07 – 2017-05
Commander	56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz.	United States Air Force	2014-06 – 2016-06
Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force	Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.	United States Air Force	2012-06 – 2014-06
Commander	8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea	United States Air Force	2011-05 – 2012-05
Commander	611th Air and Space Operations Center, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska	United States Air Force	2009-07 – 2011-05
Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow	Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.	United States Air Force	2008-06 – 2009-07
Director	Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Action Group, Randolph AFB, Texas	United States Air Force	2006-06 – 2008-06
Commander	63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.	United States Air Force	2004-06 – 2006-06
Operations Officer	56th Training Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.	United States Air Force	2003-05 – 2004-06
Student	61st Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.	United States Air Force	2002-11 – 2003-04	F-16 requalification training.
Joint and Combined Contingency Plans Officer	Alaskan Command, Plans and Programs, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska	United States Air Force	2000-09 – 2002-11
Student	Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk Naval Air Station, Va.	United States Air Force	2000-07 – 2000-09
Student	Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.	United States Air Force	1999-06 – 2000-06
Flight Commander, F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor	34th Fighter Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah	United States Air Force	1997-01 – 1999-06
F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor	35th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea	United States Air Force	1996-01 – 1996-12
F-16 Pilot	18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska	United States Air Force	1993-01 – 1996-01
Student	F-16 Replacement Training Unit, MacDill AFB, Fla.	United States Air Force	1991-04 – 1992-12
Student	Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.	United States Air Force	1990-03 – 1991-03

Scott L. Pleus: Education

Degree / Field, Institution, Dates, Description
Degree / Field	Institution	Dates	Description
Professional Military Education in Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course	National Defense University, Washington, D.C.	2021 – 2021
Professional Military Education in Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course	Maxwell AFB, Ala.	2018 – 2018
Professional Military Education in Capstone General and Flag Officer Course	National Defense University, Washington, D.C.	2015 – 2015
Professional Military Education in Joint Force Air Component Commander Course	Maxwell AFB, Ala.	2015 – 2015
Professional Development Program in U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar	Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville	2010 – 2010
Fellowship in Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow	Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.	2008 – 2008
Professional Military Education in Air War College	Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.	2002 – 2002	Completed by correspondence.
Master of Military Operational Arts and Science in Military Operational Arts and Science	Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.	2000 – 2000
Master of Arts in International Relations	Auburn University-Montgomery, Ala.	2000 – 2000
Professional Military Education in Squadron Officer School	Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.	1997 – 1997
Bachelor of Arts in Communications	University of Minnesota-Duluth	1989 – 1989	Earned his commission in 1989 through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Scott L. Pleus: Awards & Honors

Award, Issuing Organization
Award	Issuing Organization
Defense Distinguished Service Medal	United States Air Force
Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster	United States Air Force
Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters	United States Air Force
Defense Meritorious Service Medal	United States Air Force
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters	United States Air Force
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster	United States Air Force
Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters	United States Air Force
Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster	United States Air Force

Scott L. Pleus: Skills & Expertise

Skill, Proficiency, Description
Skill	Proficiency	Description
Readiness Architecture (organizational readiness under pressure)	Thought leader	The discipline of building organizations that are ready for pressure rather than organizations that merely look ready, centered on enforcing a visible, consistent daily standard as the leading indicator of performance under pressure.
Large-scale operations command	Expert	End-to-end operational command experience at scales ranging from a 5,000-person division to a 680,000-person, $240 billion enterprise.
Fighter aviation / F-16 operations	Expert	Career F-16 fighter pilot who flew the F-35 with wing command experience at the 8th Fighter Wing and 56th Fighter Wing.
Joint and coalition operations (Korean Peninsula)	Expert	Commanded Seventh Air Force and served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, leading air component operations in a joint, coalition environment.
Force readiness policy and inspection design	Expert	Directed Air Force-wide policy on no-notice unit readiness inspections and addressed aircraft readiness challenges as the acting Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force
Enterprise budget and resource stewardship	Expert	Held end-to-end accountability for $240 billion of budget authority across operations, personnel, readiness, and modernization for the Department of the Air Force.

Scott L. Pleus: External Profiles

Platform, Bio
Platform	Bio
LinkedIn	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus Wikidata Page	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus USAF Biography Entry	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus United States Forces Korea Profile	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus IMDb Profile	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus Crunchbase Profile	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus Google KGMID	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus Wikidata Page	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
Scott Pleus ORCID Profile	Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.

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